book reviews

What Ruby Gave Me by Nora Raleigh Baskin

Yesterday morning I went to the Westport Health department to have my Tine test checked. I am happy to report I do not have TB, in part — though not entirely! — because I can now begin volunteering at the Bedford Hills Women’s Correctional facility. That is what Ruby[On the Outside] has done for me: Changed my life. Added to my life. Taken me deeper into myself. And (yes, thank goodness) out of myself.

I have always wanted to volunteer and give back. I’ve done small things here and there; some things fit, others didn’t. Nothing on a regular basis. First my kids were young and needed my time. Then they were older and needed more of my time. I was working. I was writing.